SEC will get 105 scholarships for football in 2026

The Kentucky Wildcats will play by some new SEC rules starting in 2026. With a lot of changes occurring around the Wildcats’ football in the past week, a new scholarship rule will be applied this upcoming season.

SEC presidents have voted to increase the total number of football scholarships from 85 to 105. This rule was announced during this summer’s house settlement, but it will come into effect during the 2026 football season. This will give teams a lot more flexibility in the recruitment department.

A few things to know about this new rule across the SEC: Not all of these scholarships have to be full rides. Some of these will be partial. Schools won’t necessarily expand to 105 scholarships this season due to some factors with out-of-state tuition.

SEC schools will have to belly up to the table and pay up. With this rule taking effect in 2026, the Wildcats’ NIL total will keep growing. In this day and age, college sports have never been more of a test.